In pictures: Kumbh Mela crowd crush
A devotee weeps at the site of crush at the Kumbh Mela early on Wednesday
- Published
At least 12 people are feared to have been killed in a crush at a huge Hindu religious festival in northern India.
The incident happened at the Kumbh Mela festival when people who were sleeping by the riverbanks in Prayagraj were trampled by others who had taken a dip in the holy waters.
Emergency officials have been seen taking away what appeared to be bodies on stretchers.
There has been no official confirmation yet on how many people have been injured or killed.
Officials say up to 100 million people are expected to attend the bathing day at the Kumbh Mela - one of the world's biggest religious festivals.
Pilgrims could be seen climbing over fences after the crush at the Kumbh Mela
Police personnel carry victims of the crush at the Mela ground
The BBC counted 20 ambulances coming out of the festival ground
Security personnel rushed to the site of the crush
A pilgrim weeps as she sits in an ambulance
A pilgrim (centre) caught up in the crush leaves the hospital after receiving treatment
A devotee stands at the site of the stampede at the festival ground
Devotees hold hands as they exit the festival ground after the crush
A policeman directs pilgrims at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers